Ms. Parekh is a Grade 3 Humanities Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Brooklyn. She joined the school in 2017 as a Grade 2 Learning Expert Teacher. Three years later, she transitioned to the role of the Grade 2 Humanities Subject Expert Teacher (SET) and then spent the past year nurturing Grade 3 students in Humanities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Rutgers University, with a minor in communications and a Master of Arts in childhood education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Ms. Parekh had worked in education for more than 25 years. After graduating from college, she spent two years in the editorial and public relations industries but chose to focus on her true passion: Elementary Education. She taught preschool for two and a half years, worked as an Associate Teacher at Hollingsworth Summer Science Camp at Teachers College through her graduate education, and upon earning her master’s degree, taught second grade at P.S.180M in Harlem. After Ms. Parekh took some time off to raise her children, she returned to teaching at Lycée Français, a private French school. There, she taught grades 2 and 4 English and grade 4 accelerated English and history and supported struggling English students in grades 1 and 5.
“I chose BASIS Independent Brooklyn, first, as a parent. As I observed my children thrive under the co-teaching model and evolve into independent, hard-working, and excited students, I was inspired to become part of the BASIS Independent family as an educator. In my time as a Learning Expert Teacher, I formed deep connections with students and families and was involved in every aspect of my students’ social-emotional and academic experience. The overnight shift into digital learning made it difficult to balance the work/family environment, but it provided me with a unique perspective and made me a more confident and adaptable educator. Knowing that my children have taken more responsibility for their learning, I am excited to return to my passion for Literacy and Social Studies in the Humanities SET role.
My goal is for my students to develop deep and meaningful comprehension through literature that is diverse. I want students to learn about the foundations and contributions of civilizations and cultures alongside the injustices faced by the peoples. I want my students to gain an appreciation and love for words and writing that inspires and engages them.”
When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Parekh enjoys traveling and visiting historical attractions. With her family, she loves watching movies, playing board games, and has gained a fondness for cooking Indian food in her Insta-pot!
